Late afternoon sunshine streamed through the windows of Our Lord in the Attic (Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder) as I continued my exploration of this amazing hidden 17th Century Catholic Church in Amsterdam.
Last time I shared photos from my trusty phone of the beautiful interior of this unique hidden church. (You can view them here.)
Today we will leave the lavish sanctuary and exquisite old organ and enter my favorite part of the museum: the former living quarters of priest Ludovicus Reiniers and his household staff who moved into the Velvet Burgwal (original name for this building) in 1739.
With nearly all furnishings and exhibits removed for an extensive renovation, this part of Our Lord in the Attic is a deeply serene and quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city of Amsterdam.
I love the soft winter light of Amsterdam, and it was on glorious display as it filtered through the old, glass, multi-paned windows and settled into warm puddles on the aged wooden planks of the floor.
In this quiet setting it was so easy to picture the maid humming to herself as she swept and dusted the staircase after dozens of parishioners clomped up and down the steps to and from the worship service.
Or perhaps the priest hunched over a desk cluttered with books, parchment and fountain pens as he prepared next week’s sermon.
I wondered what sort of furniture they had back then. Would the bed have been piled with a thick down comforter? Would the walls have been lined with bookshelves or big wooden wardrobes?
I would’ve loved a big, squishy chair pulled up to one of those splendid old windows, reading for hours in glorious solitude.
I crept precariously down a particularly narrow and twisting staircase and found the kitchen, a delightful place flooded with soft light and lined with blue and white tiles.
Isn’t it so homey? I can easily picture myself at that old wooden table, sharing a cup of tea and plate of cookies with a dear friend.
The tiles lining the walls are aged and chipped now, but I love the country scenes depicted: fishing, swinging, walking with a pet.
I wanted to tie on an apron, haul out mixing bowls and start cooking .
Leaving that splendid old kitchen I entered a light-filled hallway and bid farewell to this most interesting museum. A place rich in history and personalities providing a fascinating glimpse into a bygone world.
I wrapped my scarf tightly around my neck and headed back into the blustering Amsterdam weather.
It was time to go home.
What do you picture yourself doing in an old house like this?
I picture myself snuggled in a thick blanket reading a delicious book and sipping on a cup of coffee brewed from dark coffee beans that I roasted myself. If I wasn’t reading, I picture myself dreaming up and writing a piece of a story, or perhaps the beginning of a novel inspired by the rich history and delightful bones of this house. That’s all. =)
I love ALL those ideas, Melody!! 🙂 Yes indeed, I’d happily scratch away literary ideas in a journal. 🙂
Lovely post Krista, really enjoyed reading the second half of your visit…. and the light from those windows does just look so comforting 🙂 I agree, you are just missing a big comfy chair to curl up and read a book in 🙂 That’s definitely what I would add! a very bon weekend to you 🙂
Thank you, dear Tuula. 🙂 I’m so glad you like the light too. Hope you have a gorgeous weekend in your beloved France. 🙂 xo
When I travel to Italy one of the weeks will be spent sating in a 14th century convent. I can only imagine the life of the building from convent to army barracks during the first world war. What interesting stories those walls would tell. This museum really is a treasure Krista.
Oh what a wonderful experience that will be, Val. 🙂 I can’t wait to see your pics and hear stories. 🙂
I have never been to europe and I would anticipate that the cold weather would slow me down as I am some what of a cold frog. So I would picture myself snuggled in that cozzie chair you had suggested, wraped in a feather dooner, and sipping a warm milkdrink of malt or hot chocolate. Peering out through those loverly windows as they omit that soft light for me to gaze at the local scenery and people about their daily lives…..Yes… yes I can picture that quite easily.
thanks again Krista.
It is difficult to understand how the lack of color is what gives these pictures such distinction.
That house does look very romantic though I wouldn’t want to be a cook in that kitchen. Did it even have running water? Ugh! We’re so spoiled now-a-days but I like it just fine. How lucky that you could see the place though. In a way it’s more remarkable unfurnished as you can do as you’ve written and imagine the entire story for yourself.